The town looked no different than a city. But it was still a new place. His eyes roamed all over the place, taking in the sights of people strolling or the cars gliding over the streets.
As he strolled along, his stomach grumbled. In his excitement, he hadn't eaten since morning. The delicious aroma wafting from a cosy little restaurant beckoned him inside. The wooden sign above the entrance read "Café de la Luna," and its rustic charm instantly drew him in. He took a seat near the window, glancing through the menu with curiosity. The prices were okay but even the cheapest food cost ten credits, the currency of the United World Federation or UWF for short.
A glance at his wallet revealed a meagre sum of credits. Alex hesitated, mentally calculating if he had enough for a decent meal. He finally settled on a modest dish, hoping it would satisfy his hunger without emptying his wallet. After a satisfying meal, he paid the bill, leaving a small tip, and stepped out onto the streets once more.
The map on his phone guided him towards the general area where Samuel might reside. It was the only lead he had, and he clung to it with determination. His mother's recollection of Samuel's whereabouts was vague, and he wondered if he was embarking on a wild goose chase. But the enigmatic force his father had warned him about urged him to persist.
His footsteps echoed through the slightly rundown neighbourhood, making him feel like an intruder in this close-knit community. He approached an old man who was shuffling out of a modest house, his grey hair reflecting his wisdom and experience. Alex took a deep breath to steady his nerves and inquired politely, "Excuse me, sir. I'm looking for someone named Samuel. Do you happen to know him?"
The old man glanced at him with mild interest but shook his head. "Can't say I do, young man. Names don't stick in this part of town. People come and go."
Undeterred, Alex continued his search, asking a few more residents along the way. The response was mostly the same – blank expressions and vague shrugs. His hopes began to wane, and he felt like he was chasing shadows.
Just as he was about to give up, a young man caught his attention. He had a rugged charm, a scar running across his cheek, and his demeanour exuded an air of confidence mixed with a hint of mystery. Alex decided to take a chance and approached him.
"Hey, excuse me," Alex said, his voice steady despite the nervous energy coursing through him. "I'm looking for someone named Samuel. I was told he might be living around here."
The young man raised an eyebrow, sizing Alex up with a hint of scepticism. "Samuel, huh? What do you want with him?"
Alex hesitated for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "I... I believe he might have information about something important to me."
The scarred man's eyes narrowed, and he seemed to be weighing Alex's intentions. After a brief pause, he spoke in a low voice, "Follow me. But be careful; this ain't a place for the faint-hearted."
Alex's heart pounded with anticipation as he followed the man through the winding alleys. The buildings around them grew more dilapidated, and a sense of secrecy permeated the air. He couldn't help but feel like he was venturing into the heart of a hidden world.
Finally, they arrived at an old, weather-beaten house. The paint was peeling, and the windows were boarded up, adding to the air of mystery. The man with the scar turned to Alex, his eyes locked with his. He motioned with his head for Alex to enter as he opened the creaky door.
Despite the twinge of fear, Alex nodded and took a step inside the dimly lit house.